The case concerning a former Independence police officer who nearly killed a teen with a stun gun in 2014 is headed to mediation.   The process will be overseen by a former Jackson County Circuit Court judge. 

The lawsuit was filed by Bryce Masters, the teen involved in the incident.   He was 17 at the time of the event with Officer Timothy Runnels.   Masters’ lawsuit accuses Runnels of violating his civil rights.   Runnels was prosecuted in federal court and sentenced to four years in prison as the result of the charges. 

Witnesses testified on behalf of Masters during the criminal trial and stated he went into cardiac arrest in response to the Taser attack.   The event occurred when Masters refused Runnels’ request for him to get out of his vehicle.   According to details in the suit, Masters’ heart stopped for more than seven minutes before EMS arrived.   Nobody attempted to resuscitate him, but EMS was able to revive him with a defibrillator. 

There is video from the patrol car showing Runnels using the stun gun.   It also showed Runnels handcuffing and dragging Masters to the curb after his body was limp.   He then dropped him face-first onto the pavement. 

Runnels pled guilty to violating Masters’ civil rights and issued an apology in court.  

According to information from the trial, Runnels “continuously” shocked Masters.   He then submitted a false police report that omitted and falsely described details of the incident. 

Should mediation prove unsuccessful, the case will go to trial in October of next year.